My least favorite CO in the Navy actually gave me the best price of advice I’ve ever gotten. He said “Joe, stick close to the flag pole.” He meant I should manage my career without deviating too much from the mainstream of my profession. I didn’t apply that to the Navy... 1/

... but I have to medicine. For the past 27 years I’ve been chugging away as a general pediatrician. I’ve tried hard to learn and teach the real medicine. I only bring that up because I’ve developed a set skills - yes, expertise - which isn’t so common. 2/

Especially during covid, I’ve been truly impressed with how many people purport to be experts but have never put in their time in the pits. So many fools. You don’t develop expertise in medicine by sitting on the sidelines. Long story short: choose your “experts” carefully. 3/3